Haiti’s deepening hunger crisis has reached alarming new levels, with the United Nations reporting famine spreading to previously unaffected regions. Yet, as millions face food insecurity, the country’s political leadership is locked in a power struggle that risks further destabilizing the nation. Late Friday, the Transitional Presidential Council made a dramatic move to dismiss Prime Minister Garry Conille—an action many are comparing to a coup rather than a routine government transition, according to reports from the Miami Herald.
The decision to replace Conille follows weeks of mounting tension over control of the government. Sources report that the council, led by Leslie Voltaire, convened with national security leaders to finalize Conille’s ouster and select his replacement. Conille had been at odds with Voltaire over Voltaire’s push for a cabinet reshuffle, which Conille opposed, further escalating their conflict.
Efforts to mediate the standoff proved futile. The Organization of American States (OAS) facilitated a meeting on Thursday, which failed to yield a resolution, and further discussions on Friday saw one council member walk out in frustration. By late Friday, the council submitted a resolution to Le Moniteur, Haiti’s official government publication, formalizing Conille’s dismissal. A second resolution naming his replacement is reportedly in preparation.
However, the publication of these resolutions remains in question, with council members planning to reconvene Saturday to finalize decisions. Meanwhile, foreign diplomats in Port-au-Prince are attempting to broker a compromise before any official announcements are made.
Conille, a former United Nations development official, was appointed in May to lead Haiti through its transition after Prime Minister Ariel Henry was forced to step down in March amid rising gang violence. The Transitional Presidential Council itself was formed through a political agreement on April 3, backed by Haitian political parties and international allies, including the U.S. and Caribbean leaders, to guide Haiti’s governance amid its instability.
As Haiti confronts both political turmoil and a growing hunger crisis, the need for stable leadership and international support has never been more urgent.
Credit: Miami Herald
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